Are you a filmmaker or enthusiast looking for your next project? We want you!
It’s time for our 3rd annual 48-Hour Film Race. We call on all filmmakers to join this event and have an epic weekend.
Entries close at 12 PM on the 14th of September 2022.
For more information, visit www.filmrace.co.za
See you at the races!
Further to the events sponsorship communication shared previously, below please read the communication received from WESGRO regarding the updated regional events sponsorship for actual events taking place between October 2020 and March 2021
PLEASE NOTE: The last communication was for “Virtual Event Support” and this communication is for “Actual Event Support”.
Wesgro has noted with great concern the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on leisure and business events in Cape Town and the Western Cape.
We would like to commend you for your positive response to the necessary regulations put in place by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, limiting the number of people attending public gatherings over this period.
We do, however, understand how these regulations will impact on event organisers – as well as their staff and the regions in which they take place – and as such Wesgro will continue to support regional events as part of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan. We fully understand just how important these events are in attracting visitors to the province and profiling the destination.
Wesgro will be extending its call to for applications by events organisers for events taking place between October 2020 and March 2021.
How to apply:
Event Applications must be sent to Linda Mase via e-mail linda@wesgro.co.za not later than Monday, 25 May 2020.
For more information and assistance please contact Linda Mase on 082 334 3197.
The Garden Route Film Office is calling your you to submit pictures of your Empty Streets: Albertinia, Carlitzdorp, Plettenberg Bay, George, Oudtshoorn, Ladysmith, Knysna, MosselBay, any town in the Greater Garden Route – roads, farms, landscapes.
Please include the name of your Town, Street Name and/or the description of the picture. Your name if you wish to be credited. Pictures submitted must be royalty free for use by the Garden Route Film Office in our drive to increase filming in the area and promotion of the Greater Garden Route Region.
Email your pictures to rene@gardenroutefilmoffice.com
To help businesses find and apply for the financial support that is available to them, the Western Cape Government, City of Cape Town and Wesgro have today launched a fund location tool for businesses in the Western Cape.
The online tool asks the user five easy questions, ranks the answers against pre-determined criteria as stipulated by the various relief measures, and provides a list of relief measures the business may be applicable for.
The process takes under a minute >> www.supportbusiness.co.za/covid-19-support-finder
Any businesses in the Western Cape who need support and advice can contact the Covid-19 Content Centre at supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za.
For more info visit www.supportbusiness.co.za
The Garden Route Film Office is embarking on a Free Membership drive. Registration is simple – just click on this link and enter your details:
WHY REGISTER: Did you know that over the past 6 years based on the activity of just ONE production company, 18 Million rand has been injected into the local economy through payment of suppliers, cast, crew and other sundries. (There are a number of productions in the area annually) The misconception is that only Accommodation establishments benefit from film and some catering.
Here is an example of industries and resources that this production company has used in the Garden Route District: Florists, Doctors, Dentists, Water Suppliers, Generator Hire, Accommodation, Restaurants, Hair Dressers, Spa’s, Beauty Salons, Mechanics, Catering, Event Equipment Hire, Car Hire, Game Reserves, B&B’s, Conference Venues, Motorbike Hire, Cleaners, Valets, Ironing Services, Laundry, Post and Couriers, Legal, Medical, Boat Hire, Bowsers, Bicycles, Adventure Companies, Extreme Activities, Boating Excursions, Extras , Characters and Actors local, Junior PA’s, Set Runners, Department Assistance, Chaperones (Drivers), Chefs, Wardrobe and Makeup Artistes, Accounting, Wine Farms. Photographic Equipment, Trailer Hire – DEPENDING on the type of production, the list of services required increases.
Whilst we appreciate the current situation in South Africa and around the globe, we aim to remain pro-active so that we are ready for the turnaround of events and an influx of productions that have been for now postponed.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), would like to commend the industry for the good quality of applications received in the past fiscal and invite applicants to submit for Festival Hosting and Marketing and Distribution.
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), is pleased to announce that the call for cycle 2 funding applications is now open for the following funding categories:
Opening date for submissions: 26 March 2020
Closing date for submissions: 17 April 2020
Individuals, companies and organisations may submit funding applications to the NFVF for any of the above funding categories. Specific conditions are applicable for each funding category, and it is important for applicants to take careful note of these conditions before submitting an application.
Applicants need to register and complete the online application form using the following link: https://nfvf.praxisgms.co.za/
Please take note of the following disclaimers:
Tier breakdown:
Tier 1: Experienced filmmakers who have a proven track record for developing and producing 3-5 theatrically released feature films.
Tier 2: Filmmakers with limited experience but who have developed and produced 1-2 theatrical feature films, television fiction, documentaries, 2-3 short films and/or commercials seeking to venture into feature film development and production.
Tier 3: New entrants into the industry, particularly recent film school graduates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. This intervention is geared towards first time filmmakers having a “calling card” in the film industry. This tier is only eligible for short film funding.
Please note that no late applications will be accepted.
For any queries regarding applications please contact:
Thandekile Hlatshwayo
Applications Officer
Email: thandekiles@nfvf.co.za
Telephone: 011 484 0880
I hope you are keeping well as we move towards the second week of lockdown.
Please note that as we have received an extensive number of inquiries from businesses that can be broadly categorised as operating within the ‘Tourism/Hospitality’ sectors, we have developed an initial guiding response on support structures and measures announced to-date. It is our understanding that a number of businesses on this mail may have already applied for support via such interventions, but we thought it would be useful to notify you nonetheless.
Please note that the information below has been verified to the extent that it is possible, however Wesgro recommends directly contacting entities managing funds and interventions for guidance and to ensure the correct application of criteria.
IDC Interventions:
Background to IDC led interventions can be accessed here (although their application to the tourism/hospitality industries, in our interpretation, is limited): https://www.idc.co.za/2020/03/24/idc-interventions-in-response-to-covid-19/
Tourism Relief Fund for SMMEs:
Kindly find attached an overview of the Tourism Support Fund provided to Wesgro by the Department of Tourism.
The Tourism Relief Fund provides once-off capped grant assistance to Small Micro and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the tourism value chain to ensure their sustainability during and post the implementation of government measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa.
Capped at R 50 000 per entity, grant funding can be utilised to subsidize expenses towards fixed costs, operational costs, supplies and other pressure costs items.
Criteria to qualify for the tourism relief fund:
Department of Small Business Support to SMMEs: (please ignore this section if your business does not qualify as an SMME)
The Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has introduced relief mechanisms for small and medium enterprises (SMME’s) impacted negatively, both directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Specifically, the DSBD has published guidelines for application for three
intervention measures, namely:
1. Debt Relief Finance Scheme;
2. Business Growth/Resilience Facility; and
3. The sefa-Debt Restructuring Facility.
The fund is currently budgeted at R500 million, but the expectation is that
this fund could possibly be increased.
The Debt Relief Finance Scheme (qualifying criteria attached) is aimed at providing relief on existing debts and repayments, to assist SMMEs during the period of the COVID-19 State of Disaster. In essence, the debt relief facility is a soft loan that will provide funding for existing businesses in distress due to the Coronavirus. The relief will be for a period of 6 months, effective 01 April 2020. For SMMEs to be eligible for assistance under the Debt Relief Fund, the applicant must demonstrate direct link of the impact or potential impact of COVID-19 on the business operations.
The Business Growth/ Resilience Facility (qualifying criteria attached is specifically created to enable continued participation of SMMEs in supply value-chains, in particular those who manufacture (locally) or supply various products that are in demand, emanating from the current shortages due to COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the National Treasury Instruction Note No. 8 of 2019/2020. This facility will offer working capital, stock, bridging finance, order finance and equipment finance and the amount required will be based on the funding needs of the business.
The Sefa-Debt Restructuring Facility is geared towards sefa-funded SMMEs that are negatively affected by the pandemic. A payment moratorium/ holiday will be given to the qualifying SMMEs for a period of a maximum of 6 months, in efforts to reduce the installment burden of loan obligations on the affected SMMEs. These SMMEs will be required to illustrate the direct linkage of their business distress to the pandemic.
The online application form will be available from Thursday, 02 April 2020. It is important to note that only SMMEs that are registered on the database will be considered. Please go to https://smmesa.gov.za/ to register your business.
Guidelines
for Application: Debt Relief Finance Scheme:
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/Guidelines%20for%20Debt%20Relief%20Application.pdf
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/SMME%20Debt%20Relief%20Scheme.pdf
SMMEs are encouraged to make use of the alternative email at info@dsbd.gov.za
or call the Hotline number 0860 663 7867.
Guidelines
for Application: Business Growth/ Resilience Facility:
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_documents/Guidelines%20for%20Business%20Growth%20Resilience%20Facility%20Application%20%2028%20March.._.pdf
Private sector interventions:
Please be advised that Wesgro is currently unpacking private-sector led interventions as announced by the Rupert; Oppenheimer and Motsepe families, as well Naspers. We will revert as soon as clear information is available. In the interim, please note the following links which provide some initial guidance:
Banking sector interventions:
All banks have now made announcements relating to support measures being undertaken to assist businesses. Through conversations held with regional Heads of banking institutions, Wesgro continues to recommend that you contact your bank directly to understand what package the bank is able to put together to support your business.
The Wesgro team will shortly be uploading a series of FAQs to the www.supportbusiness.co.za website to guide on banking sector interventions.
Supporting your Employees:
A number of entities have written to us on guidance relating to UIF and TERS. Our team continues to source information relating to how best to access the structures announced. On 28 March the Department of Employment and Labour issued the following update: http://www.labour.gov.za/update-on-employment-and-labour-issues-arising-from-the-lockdowns
A TERS guidance document has also been attached herein “COVID19TERS EasyAid”.
Regarding interventions made by National Treasury, please peruse the following guiding note which relates to: (http://www.treasury.gov.za/comm_media/press/2020/20200329%20Explanatory%20Notes%20on%20COVID%2019%20Tax%20measures%20-%2029%20March%202020.pdf)
As you will note from the ‘Draft’ structure, the legislation is not yet promulgated, but is expected to be promulgated shortly.
Ongoing support:
We fully understand that the above overview may not provide the exact answers to questions you have, and we will continue to strive to find the answers. Wesgro continues to update the COVID-19 webpage – www.supportbusiness.co.za – with information on key interventions being undertaken by government and private sector. The website is designed to be easily searchable by keyword to guide you towards specific areas where you may require support.
Please also feel free to write to supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za with specific questions you have.
The following are information regarding the COVID-19 and the support available to businesses.
We would like to share information with you regarding COVID-19 and the support available to businesses. Please find attached the following documents for your information:
Do look at the COVID-19 Content Centre for Business – the virtual centre consisting of sector and communications experts provides real-time support and advice for business and industry, including FAQ’s across sectors.
Wesgro hosts the website – www.supportbusiness.co.za
A dedicated email address has also been set up to support business with specific questions they may have – so the businesses question can be directed there, immediately.
Please encourage business to send their questions to supportbusiness@wesgro.co.za
• Upcoming Festival Entries & Pitching Opportunities – Deadlines
• Upcoming Creative Media funding deadlines – Assistance with Applications
• Market Intelligence, Coaching, Pitching & Financing Strategies
Deadline for Submissions for both Festival & Cinekid for Professionals 1st July
NB This is the last year without contributions from the UK so the pot of cash is diminishing!
I have been an Expert for the European Commission for many years and worked on applications for Single, Slate and TV Programming for companies such as Banijay, Zodiak, eOne Family – with a 100% success rate to date. I am proposing concrete assistance to European Producers who wish to apply for funding.
Upcoming calls for funding are as follows:
ALL OF THE ABOVE CAN BE HANDLED ONLINE
Project Development Programme 2020
in partnership with
Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
25 – 28 February 2020, Cape Town
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Prospective and hopeful filmmakers-in-the-making are encouraged to submit a ONE page Proposal for a short documentary film (20 minutes maximum length). Successful candidates will be tutored in the art of documentary scriptwriting, preparing a budget and writing funding proposals. All submission details and requirements are included in this document.
In order to identify and develop new entrants in the documentary industry, and with a key objective of transformation, Encounters in partnership with the Western Cape Government Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, will host a Project Development Programme. The aim of the programme is to inject the filmmaking skills and knowledge necessary for increasing opportunities, business growth and ultimately access to global markets.
The initial Workshop, led by filmmaker Riaan Hendricks, will accommodate up to six participants to develop their short documentary projects in preparation for securing development funding and to advance their careers. A second mentorship programme is designed to support and guide beneficiaries in finalising their project proposal (script, budget and funding proposal). Participants must attend Encounters Industry Programmes during the Festival taking place from 4-14 June 2020.
Participants
The programme is aimed at documentary filmmakers at the beginning of their filmmaking careers and whose projects show great potential. Two team members per project may participate. Only residents of the Western Cape may apply.
Dates
The Workshop will take place from Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 February 2020 (4 days).
Post-workshop participant-led group sessions are encouraged – for mutual support and the fostering of important professional relationships for the future.
In the period March – May, leading up to the Encounters Festival, participants will be assigned Mentors for advice and guidance as they finish their scripts and develop budgets and funding proposals. These will be presented during Encounters.
Applicants must be available for the full duration of the programmes offered. Please be mindful that absenteeism will result in exclusion from the course.
Workshop Leader
Leading the 4-day Workshop is filmmaker, Riaan Hendricks.
Biography
Hendricks is one of South Africa’s multi award winning, prolific independent film directors. The constant struggle of engaging audiences with the emotional landscapes of his characters and story – are expressed in the rich tapestry of moments engrosses his work. Riaan’s film Ramothopo the Centinarian won best feature doc award at AfriFF 2018.
Guest Tutors will be invited to input on budgeting, proposal writing, compliance, etc.…
Selection
The selection committee will comprise of appointed representatives from the Industry and Encounters.
Applicants will be notified by email at least a week before the workshop.
The course includes:
• course materials
• meals (teas, coffees and lunch)
• mentorship programme
• invites to Encounters industry programmes and functions
• transport allowance (if necessary)
Submitting Applications
Application Deadline: Wednesday 12 February, 5pm
Submit to: pa@encounters.co.za
Applicants must submit:
• 1-page synopsis
• 1-page biography for each of the two key project team members, e.g. Producer (s), Director
• Complete Contact details
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further enquiries please contact Nazeer Ahmed (021) 418 3310
